US20230061975A1 - Multipurpose drain tool - Google Patents
Multipurpose drain tool Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230061975A1 US20230061975A1 US17/446,743 US202117446743A US2023061975A1 US 20230061975 A1 US20230061975 A1 US 20230061975A1 US 202117446743 A US202117446743 A US 202117446743A US 2023061975 A1 US2023061975 A1 US 2023061975A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- drain
- distal
- proximal
- multipurpose
- hand grip
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 15
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004927 clay Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920000049 Carbon (fiber) Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004917 carbon fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000013618 particulate matter Substances 0.000 claims 4
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000001556 precipitation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000002459 sustained effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 2
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000002262 irrigation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003973 irrigation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000009877 rendering Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01B—SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
- A01B1/00—Hand tools
- A01B1/02—Spades; Shovels
- A01B1/022—Collapsible; extensible; combinations with other tools
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01H—STREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
- E01H15/00—Removing undesirable matter, e.g. rubbish, from the land, not otherwise provided for
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
- B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
- B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01B—SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
- A01B1/00—Hand tools
- A01B1/02—Spades; Shovels
- A01B1/024—Foot protectors attached to the blade
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01B—SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
- A01B1/00—Hand tools
- A01B1/20—Combinations of different kinds of hand tools
Definitions
- the present invention relates to shovels, and more particularly, to a multipurpose drain tool including a drain shovel (DROVELTM) and pry bar.
- DROVELTM drain shovel
- pry bar a drain shovel
- the present invention offers a solution to the problem of clearing subsurface drains to restore drain functionality.
- the present invention provides a multipurpose drain tool including a drain shovel (DROVELTM) and pry bar.
- the present invention further provides a multipurpose tennis court drain tool including a drain shovel (DROVELTM) and pry bar.
- the multipurpose drain tool of the present invention offers a solution to the problem of clearing subsurface drains to restore drain functionality.
- the present invention provides a multipurpose drain tool having a proximal end a distal end, and an intermediate portion.
- the multipurpose drain tool includes a drain tool shaft, a proximal pry bar, and a distal drain shovel.
- the drain tool shaft carries at least one rubber hand grip, a proximal end cap, and a distal end cap.
- the pry bar is mounted to and extends outwardly from the proximal end cap.
- the drain shovel is mounted to and extends distally from the distal end cap.
- the present invention provides a multipurpose drain tool capable of use to solve the problem of clogging of subsurface drains.
- the multipurpose drain tool of the present invention is constructed and arranged to match the shape, depth, and contour of the subsurface drain.
- the multipurpose drain tool is capable of use to efficiently clear sedimentary debris that renders the function of the drain useless, and to permit drainage.
- the unique shape and contour of the multipurpose drain tool enables more complete and efficient clearing of the drains, restoring functionality of the drain more rapidly with significantly less effort.
- the present invention provides a multipurpose drain tool to remove sedimentary particles used to finish and level the playing surface of clay tennis courts and tennis courts with HAR-TRU® tennis court surface material, from subsurface drains to maintain the function of the drains and restore function of the drains during periods of sustained precipitation.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multipurpose drain tool in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a detail perspective view of a proximal pry bar located at the proximal end of the multipurpose drain tool of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a detail perspective view of the distal shovel located at the distal end of the multipurpose drain tool of the present invention
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the proximal pry bar of the multipurpose drain tool of the present invention in use
- FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the distal shovel of the multipurpose drain tool of the present invention in use
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 6 - 6 of FIG. 5 showing further detail.
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 7 - 7 of FIG. 6 showing further detail.
- exemplary or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1 .
- one embodiment of the present invention provides a multipurpose drain tool.
- the multipurpose drain tool is constructed and arranged for use in cleaning subsurface drains to restore their functionality.
- the multipurpose drain tool comprises a drain tool shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a distal shovel carried by the distal end of the drain tool shaft.
- the distal shovel has a shape which conforms to an interior surface of a subsurface drain.
- the subsurface drain is a tennis court drain. The shape which conforms to the interior surface of the subsurface drain enables a user to easily remove material from the drain.
- the multipurpose drain tool includes a proximal pry bar carried at the proximal end of the drain tool shaft.
- the multipurpose drain tool comprises a drain tool shaft having a drain tool shaft proximal portion, a drain tool shaft distal portion, a drain tool shaft proximal end, a drain tool shaft distal end, and a drain tool shaft intermediate portion.
- the multipurpose drain tool further comprises at least one proximal rubber hand grip located at the proximal portion of the drain tool shaft and carried thereby, and at least one distal rubber hand grip located at the distal portion of the drain tool shaft and carried thereby.
- the multipurpose drain tool includes a proximal end cap located at the first proximal end of the drain tool shaft, and a distal end cap located at the second distal end of the drain tool shaft.
- the multipurpose drain tool includes a proximal pry bar located at the first proximal end of the drain tool shaft, the proximal pry bar being mounted to the proximal end cap and extending outwardly therefrom.
- the multipurpose drain tool includes a distal shovel located at the second distal end of the drain tool shaft, the distal shovel being mounted to and extending distally from the distal end cap.
- the at least one proximal handgrip comprises a first proximal rubber hand grip and a second proximal rubber hand grip, the first proximal rubber hand grip and second proximal rubber hand grip being spaced a predetermined distance apart.
- the at least one distal handgrip comprises a first distal rubber hand grip and a second distal rubber hand grip, the first distal rubber hand grip and second distal rubber hand grip being spaced a predetermined distance apart.
- the proximal rubber hand grips are spaced a predetermined distance apart, and the distal rubber hand grips are spaced a distance apart, to accommodate a comfortable grip of the user when using the distal shovel.
- the multipurpose tool is also constructed and arranged to be ergonomic and comfortable to use.
- the hand grips are positioned to permit the user to comfortably grip the tool whether using the proximal end or the distal end.
- the proximal pry bar and distal mini shovel are also mounted to the tool shaft to maximize efficient and comfortable use of the tool.
- the multipurpose tool may be beneficially used to accomplish physical tasks with less effort and more efficiency all while maintaining better body posture.
- the multipurpose drain tool solves the problem of cleaning subsurface drains of sedimentary particles used to finish and level the playing surface of clay tennis courts, and tennis courts with HAR-TRU® tennis court surface material. These sedimentary particles migrate and clog subsurface drains, rendering the function of drains useless during periods of sustained precipitation.
- the multipurpose drain tool of the present invention provides an unprecedented solution. Shovels currently available and commonly used to effect this task fall woefully short in practical application and require awkward and redundant efforts.
- the multipurpose drain tool of the present invention is constructed and arranged to match and accommodate the shape, depth, and contour of the drain to efficiently clear sedimentary debris that impedes drainage and renders the function of the drain useless.
- the unprecedented multipurpose drain tool has a unique shape, contour and depth constructed and arranged to fit into a subsurface drain to allow more complete and efficient clearing of the drains, restoring functionality of the drain more rapidly with significantly less effort.
- the multipurpose drain tool of the present invention differs from and distinguishes over current solutions. No other tool is specifically made to accomplish this task and simplify this common maintenance task to restore functionality of a subsurface drain. Conventional shovels are not manufactured to reflect the shape depth and contour of the drains which have a unique shape depth and contour.
- the multipurpose drain of the present invention matches the shape, depth, and contour of the drain to efficiently clear sedimentary debris.
- the multipurpose drain tool of the present invention comprises a distal shovel.
- the distal shovel may be a mini shovel constructed and arranged to fit a subsurface drain of specific shape, depth, and contour.
- the subsurface drain may be a tennis court drain.
- the multipurpose drain tool of the present invention may have applicability in multiple uses.
- the multipurpose drain tool may be used in other refined application specific landscape and irrigation areas and settings.
- the distal shovel fits the dimensions of the subsurface drain.
- the multipurpose tool may be beneficially used to clear sedimentary runoff that collects and clogs subsurface drains.
- the position of the hand grips permits the user to comfortably hold and use the multipurpose drain tool and maintain body posture to accomplish physical tasks with less effort and more efficiency.
- the multipurpose drain tool of the present invention may have any suitable dimensions.
- the multipurpose drain tool distal shovel may be of any suitable length, to accommodate a subsurface drain of any depth.
- the width of the distal shovel may be any suitable width.
- the width of the distal shovel may vary between about 3′′ to about 12′′.
- the multipurpose drain tool may have a distal shovel having a shovel width of up to about 5′′, to accommodate a subsurface drain that is about 5′′ wide.
- a subsurface tennis court drain may have a width of about 5′′.
- the distal shovel width may be about 3′′.
- the distal shovel width may be about 8′′.
- the distal shovel may have a width of about 12′′.
- the multipurpose drain tool of the present invention and the components thereof may be made of any suitable materials and may be fabricated by any suitable fabrication method.
- the drain tool shaft may be made of carbon fiber.
- the distal mini shovel and the proximal pry bar may be made of any suitable material, such as, for example without limitation, metal, plastic, carbon, or combinations thereof.
- the hand grips may be made of a pliable material such as rubber, silicone, or combinations thereof.
- the end caps may be made of any suitable material.
- To make the multipurpose drain tool one may create, shape, and hone a mini shovel to reflect and accommodate the shape, depth, and contour of the subsurface drain itself to promote efficient accomplishment of task at hand. The positioning of the mini shovel on the tool shaft also contributes to the ease of use.
- the multipurpose tool has a proximal pry bar constructed and arranged for use to remove sections of plastic grates that cover drains in order to access and clear the drain using the drain shovel.
- the mini shovel may be provided with a feature capable of use to remove the sections of plastic drain cover grates to access the drain for cleaning.
- the multipurpose drain tool of the present invention is constructed and arranged for use in cleaning any suitable subsurface drain.
- the multipurpose drain tool may be used to clear tennis court drains that fill with sedimentary material from the tennis court surface.
- the tennis courts require routine maintenance by personnel to physically remove drain cover grating on top of the drain to access and shovel out the material which has collected in the drain.
- sedimentary material may collect in the drain to the point where the drain ceases functioning and becomes useless.
- FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a multipurpose drain tool, shown generally at 10 .
- the multipurpose drain tool 10 comprises a drain tool shaft 12 having a proximal end, a distal end, and a distal shovel 30 carried by the distal end of the drain tool shaft 12 .
- the distal shovel 30 has a shape which conforms to an interior surface of a subsurface drain.
- the subsurface drain is a tennis court drain.
- the shape which conforms to the interior surface of the subsurface drain enables a user to easily remove material from the drain.
- the multipurpose drain tool includes a proximal pry bar 32 carried at the proximal end of the drain tool shaft 12 .
- the multipurpose drain tool comprises a drain tool shaft 12 having a drain tool shaft proximal portion, a drain tool shaft distal portion, a first proximal end, a second distal end, and an intermediate portion.
- the multipurpose drain tool further comprises at least one proximal rubber hand grip and at least one distal rubber hand grip.
- proximal hand grips 24 , 26 are located at the proximal portion of the drain tool shaft 12 and carried thereby
- distal rubber hand grips 28 , 30 are located at the distal portion of the drain tool shaft 12 and carried thereby.
- the proximal hand grips 24 , 26 are spaced a predetermined distance apart
- the distal hand grips 28 , 30 are spaced a predetermined distance apart, to accommodate a comfortable grip of the user when using the multipurpose drain tool 10 .
- the multipurpose drain tool includes a proximal end cap 32 located at the first proximal end of the drain tool shaft, and a distal end cap 34 located at the second distal end of the drain tool shaft.
- the multipurpose drain tool 10 includes a proximal pry bar 44 located at the first proximal end of the drain tool shaft 12 .
- the proximal pry bar 44 is mounted to the proximal end cap 32 and extends outwardly therefrom.
- the proximal pry bar has a curved shaped ending in a pry bar end.
- the multipurpose drain tool includes a distal shovel 40 located at the second distal end of the drain tool shaft 12 , the distal shovel 40 being mounted to and extending distally from the distal end cap 34 .
- the distal shovel 40 has a curved conformation constructed and arranged for scooping and shoveling materials and debris.
- the distal shovel 40 has an upper portion including upper shovel shoulders 42 .
- FIGS. 4 - 7 the multipurpose drain tool 10 is shown in use.
- FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of the proximal pry bar 44 of the multipurpose drain tool 10 in use.
- the proximal pry bar 44 may be used to remove a section of a cover grate 50 that covers a drain gutter 60 in order to access the drain gutter 60 .
- FIG. 5 provides a top perspective view of the distal shovel of the multipurpose drain tool of the present invention in use
- FIG. 6 provides further detail in a cross-sectional view taken along line 6 - 6 of FIG. 5 .
- the distal shovel 40 may be used to clear the drain gutter 60 of debris 70 .
- FIG. 7 provides a front view of the distal shovel 40 in use in the drain gutter. It is seen that the distal shovel 40 fits the shape, depth, and contour of the drain gutter 60 to efficiently clear debris 70 such as sedimentary runoff that may collect and clog the drain.
- a multipurpose drain tool for use to clean a drain gutter having a width of between about 5′′-6′′ may have a distal shovel with a width of up to about 5′′.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Soil Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Cleaning In General (AREA)
- Road Paving Structures (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to shovels, and more particularly, to a multipurpose drain tool including a drain shovel (DROVEL™) and pry bar.
- Sedimentary particles used to finish and level the playing surface of clay tennis courts and tennis courts with HAR-TRU® tennis court material, migrate and clog subsurface drains. This renders the function of such drains useless during periods of sustained precipitation.
- Shovels currently available and commonly used to effect the task of removing these particles fall woefully short in practical application and require awkward and redundant efforts. Existing shovels do effectively accommodate subsurface drains, such as, for example without limitation, subsurface drains associated with tennis courts. Existing shovels are not manufactured to reflect the unique shape depth and contour of these drains.
- A need exists for a shovel tool capable of efficiently and effectively clearing subsurface drains to restore drain functionality more rapidly with significantly less effort.
- Advantageously, in one aspect, the present invention offers a solution to the problem of clearing subsurface drains to restore drain functionality. The present invention provides a multipurpose drain tool including a drain shovel (DROVEL™) and pry bar. The present invention further provides a multipurpose tennis court drain tool including a drain shovel (DROVEL™) and pry bar. The multipurpose drain tool of the present invention offers a solution to the problem of clearing subsurface drains to restore drain functionality.
- In one aspect, the present invention provides a multipurpose drain tool having a proximal end a distal end, and an intermediate portion. The multipurpose drain tool includes a drain tool shaft, a proximal pry bar, and a distal drain shovel. The drain tool shaft carries at least one rubber hand grip, a proximal end cap, and a distal end cap. The pry bar is mounted to and extends outwardly from the proximal end cap. The drain shovel is mounted to and extends distally from the distal end cap.
- In one aspect the present invention provides a multipurpose drain tool capable of use to solve the problem of clogging of subsurface drains.
- In a still further aspect, the multipurpose drain tool of the present invention is constructed and arranged to match the shape, depth, and contour of the subsurface drain. The multipurpose drain tool is capable of use to efficiently clear sedimentary debris that renders the function of the drain useless, and to permit drainage. The unique shape and contour of the multipurpose drain tool enables more complete and efficient clearing of the drains, restoring functionality of the drain more rapidly with significantly less effort.
- In another aspect the present invention provides a multipurpose drain tool to remove sedimentary particles used to finish and level the playing surface of clay tennis courts and tennis courts with HAR-TRU® tennis court surface material, from subsurface drains to maintain the function of the drains and restore function of the drains during periods of sustained precipitation.
- These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.
- The preferred embodiment of the claimed subject matter will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, where like designations denote like elements, and in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multipurpose drain tool in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a detail perspective view of a proximal pry bar located at the proximal end of the multipurpose drain tool of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a detail perspective view of the distal shovel located at the distal end of the multipurpose drain tool of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the proximal pry bar of the multipurpose drain tool of the present invention in use; -
FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the distal shovel of the multipurpose drain tool of the present invention in use; -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 6-6 ofFIG. 5 showing further detail; and -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 7-7 ofFIG. 6 showing further detail. - It is to be understood that like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
- The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
- As used herein, “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
FIG. 1 . Furthermore, as there is no intention to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description, it is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. - Broadly, one embodiment of the present invention provides a multipurpose drain tool. The multipurpose drain tool is constructed and arranged for use in cleaning subsurface drains to restore their functionality.
- In an exemplary embodiment, the multipurpose drain tool comprises a drain tool shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a distal shovel carried by the distal end of the drain tool shaft. The distal shovel has a shape which conforms to an interior surface of a subsurface drain. In some embodiments, the subsurface drain is a tennis court drain. The shape which conforms to the interior surface of the subsurface drain enables a user to easily remove material from the drain.
- In one embodiment, the multipurpose drain tool includes a proximal pry bar carried at the proximal end of the drain tool shaft.
- In an exemplary embodiment, the multipurpose drain tool comprises a drain tool shaft having a drain tool shaft proximal portion, a drain tool shaft distal portion, a drain tool shaft proximal end, a drain tool shaft distal end, and a drain tool shaft intermediate portion. The multipurpose drain tool further comprises at least one proximal rubber hand grip located at the proximal portion of the drain tool shaft and carried thereby, and at least one distal rubber hand grip located at the distal portion of the drain tool shaft and carried thereby. The multipurpose drain tool includes a proximal end cap located at the first proximal end of the drain tool shaft, and a distal end cap located at the second distal end of the drain tool shaft. The multipurpose drain tool includes a proximal pry bar located at the first proximal end of the drain tool shaft, the proximal pry bar being mounted to the proximal end cap and extending outwardly therefrom. In addition, the multipurpose drain tool includes a distal shovel located at the second distal end of the drain tool shaft, the distal shovel being mounted to and extending distally from the distal end cap.
- In some embodiments, the at least one proximal handgrip comprises a first proximal rubber hand grip and a second proximal rubber hand grip, the first proximal rubber hand grip and second proximal rubber hand grip being spaced a predetermined distance apart. In some embodiments, the at least one distal handgrip comprises a first distal rubber hand grip and a second distal rubber hand grip, the first distal rubber hand grip and second distal rubber hand grip being spaced a predetermined distance apart. The proximal rubber hand grips are spaced a predetermined distance apart, and the distal rubber hand grips are spaced a distance apart, to accommodate a comfortable grip of the user when using the distal shovel.
- The multipurpose tool is also constructed and arranged to be ergonomic and comfortable to use. The hand grips are positioned to permit the user to comfortably grip the tool whether using the proximal end or the distal end. The proximal pry bar and distal mini shovel are also mounted to the tool shaft to maximize efficient and comfortable use of the tool. The multipurpose tool may be beneficially used to accomplish physical tasks with less effort and more efficiency all while maintaining better body posture.
- In one aspect, the multipurpose drain tool solves the problem of cleaning subsurface drains of sedimentary particles used to finish and level the playing surface of clay tennis courts, and tennis courts with HAR-TRU® tennis court surface material. These sedimentary particles migrate and clog subsurface drains, rendering the function of drains useless during periods of sustained precipitation.
- The multipurpose drain tool of the present invention provides an unprecedented solution. Shovels currently available and commonly used to effect this task fall woefully short in practical application and require awkward and redundant efforts.
- The multipurpose drain tool of the present invention is constructed and arranged to match and accommodate the shape, depth, and contour of the drain to efficiently clear sedimentary debris that impedes drainage and renders the function of the drain useless. The unprecedented multipurpose drain tool has a unique shape, contour and depth constructed and arranged to fit into a subsurface drain to allow more complete and efficient clearing of the drains, restoring functionality of the drain more rapidly with significantly less effort.
- The multipurpose drain tool of the present invention differs from and distinguishes over current solutions. No other tool is specifically made to accomplish this task and simplify this common maintenance task to restore functionality of a subsurface drain. Conventional shovels are not manufactured to reflect the shape depth and contour of the drains which have a unique shape depth and contour. The multipurpose drain of the present invention matches the shape, depth, and contour of the drain to efficiently clear sedimentary debris.
- The multipurpose drain tool of the present invention comprises a distal shovel. The distal shovel may be a mini shovel constructed and arranged to fit a subsurface drain of specific shape, depth, and contour. The subsurface drain may be a tennis court drain. Also, the multipurpose drain tool of the present invention may have applicability in multiple uses. The multipurpose drain tool may be used in other refined application specific landscape and irrigation areas and settings.
- In use, the distal shovel fits the dimensions of the subsurface drain. The multipurpose tool may be beneficially used to clear sedimentary runoff that collects and clogs subsurface drains. The position of the hand grips permits the user to comfortably hold and use the multipurpose drain tool and maintain body posture to accomplish physical tasks with less effort and more efficiency.
- The multipurpose drain tool of the present invention may have any suitable dimensions. The multipurpose drain tool distal shovel may be of any suitable length, to accommodate a subsurface drain of any depth. The width of the distal shovel may be any suitable width. The width of the distal shovel may vary between about 3″ to about 12″. In some embodiments the multipurpose drain tool may have a distal shovel having a shovel width of up to about 5″, to accommodate a subsurface drain that is about 5″ wide. For example without limitation, a subsurface tennis court drain may have a width of about 5″. In some embodiments, the distal shovel width may be about 3″. In other embodiments the distal shovel width may be about 8″. In other embodiments the distal shovel may have a width of about 12″.
- The multipurpose drain tool of the present invention and the components thereof may be made of any suitable materials and may be fabricated by any suitable fabrication method. In some embodiments, the drain tool shaft may be made of carbon fiber. The distal mini shovel and the proximal pry bar may be made of any suitable material, such as, for example without limitation, metal, plastic, carbon, or combinations thereof. The hand grips may be made of a pliable material such as rubber, silicone, or combinations thereof. The end caps may be made of any suitable material. To make the multipurpose drain tool, one may create, shape, and hone a mini shovel to reflect and accommodate the shape, depth, and contour of the subsurface drain itself to promote efficient accomplishment of task at hand. The positioning of the mini shovel on the tool shaft also contributes to the ease of use. In some embodiments, the multipurpose tool has a proximal pry bar constructed and arranged for use to remove sections of plastic grates that cover drains in order to access and clear the drain using the drain shovel. However, in other embodiments, the mini shovel may be provided with a feature capable of use to remove the sections of plastic drain cover grates to access the drain for cleaning.
- In some embodiments, the multipurpose drain tool of the present invention, is constructed and arranged for use in cleaning any suitable subsurface drain. In some embodiments, the multipurpose drain tool may be used to clear tennis court drains that fill with sedimentary material from the tennis court surface. The tennis courts require routine maintenance by personnel to physically remove drain cover grating on top of the drain to access and shovel out the material which has collected in the drain. In some situations, sedimentary material may collect in the drain to the point where the drain ceases functioning and becomes useless.
- Referring now to the Figures,
FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a multipurpose drain tool, shown generally at 10. Themultipurpose drain tool 10, comprises adrain tool shaft 12 having a proximal end, a distal end, and adistal shovel 30 carried by the distal end of thedrain tool shaft 12. Thedistal shovel 30 has a shape which conforms to an interior surface of a subsurface drain. In some embodiments, the subsurface drain is a tennis court drain. The shape which conforms to the interior surface of the subsurface drain enables a user to easily remove material from the drain. - In one embodiment, the multipurpose drain tool includes a
proximal pry bar 32 carried at the proximal end of thedrain tool shaft 12. - In an exemplary embodiment, the multipurpose drain tool comprises a
drain tool shaft 12 having a drain tool shaft proximal portion, a drain tool shaft distal portion, a first proximal end, a second distal end, and an intermediate portion. The multipurpose drain tool further comprises at least one proximal rubber hand grip and at least one distal rubber hand grip. In some embodiments, proximal hand grips 24, 26 are located at the proximal portion of thedrain tool shaft 12 and carried thereby, and distal rubber hand grips 28,30 are located at the distal portion of thedrain tool shaft 12 and carried thereby. The proximal hand grips 24,26 are spaced a predetermined distance apart, and the distal hand grips 28,30 are spaced a predetermined distance apart, to accommodate a comfortable grip of the user when using themultipurpose drain tool 10. - The multipurpose drain tool includes a
proximal end cap 32 located at the first proximal end of the drain tool shaft, and adistal end cap 34 located at the second distal end of the drain tool shaft. - As seen at
FIG. 1 and with particular reference to the detail perspective view ofFIG. 2 , themultipurpose drain tool 10 includes aproximal pry bar 44 located at the first proximal end of thedrain tool shaft 12. Theproximal pry bar 44 is mounted to theproximal end cap 32 and extends outwardly therefrom. The proximal pry bar has a curved shaped ending in a pry bar end. - As seen at
FIG. 1 and with particular reference to the detail perspective view ofFIG. 3 , the multipurpose drain tool includes adistal shovel 40 located at the second distal end of thedrain tool shaft 12, thedistal shovel 40 being mounted to and extending distally from thedistal end cap 34. Thedistal shovel 40 has a curved conformation constructed and arranged for scooping and shoveling materials and debris. Thedistal shovel 40 has an upper portion including upper shovel shoulders 42. - Referring now to
FIGS. 4-7 , themultipurpose drain tool 10 is shown in use. -
FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of theproximal pry bar 44 of themultipurpose drain tool 10 in use. Theproximal pry bar 44 may be used to remove a section of acover grate 50 that covers adrain gutter 60 in order to access thedrain gutter 60. -
FIG. 5 provides a top perspective view of the distal shovel of the multipurpose drain tool of the present invention in use, andFIG. 6 provides further detail in a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 ofFIG. 5 . As seen atFIGS. 5-6 , thedistal shovel 40 may be used to clear thedrain gutter 60 ofdebris 70. - As shown at
FIG. 5 , and with particular reference toFIG. 7 , a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 ofFIG. 6 , thedistal shovel 40 and upper shovel shoulders 42 of thedistal shovel 40 are shaped to accommodate the drain gutter shoulders 62 of thedrain gutter 60.FIG. 7 provides a front view of thedistal shovel 40 in use in the drain gutter. It is seen that thedistal shovel 40 fits the shape, depth, and contour of thedrain gutter 60 to efficientlyclear debris 70 such as sedimentary runoff that may collect and clog the drain. - In some embodiments, a multipurpose drain tool for use to clean a drain gutter having a width of between about 5″-6″, may have a distal shovel with a width of up to about 5″.
- It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications, variations and changes in detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
Claims (12)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/446,743 US11864479B2 (en) | 2021-09-02 | 2021-09-02 | Multipurpose drain tool |
US18/407,365 US20240147881A1 (en) | 2021-09-02 | 2024-01-08 | Multipurpose drain tool |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/446,743 US11864479B2 (en) | 2021-09-02 | 2021-09-02 | Multipurpose drain tool |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/407,365 Continuation US20240147881A1 (en) | 2021-09-02 | 2024-01-08 | Multipurpose drain tool |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20230061975A1 true US20230061975A1 (en) | 2023-03-02 |
US11864479B2 US11864479B2 (en) | 2024-01-09 |
Family
ID=85288247
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/446,743 Active 2042-02-16 US11864479B2 (en) | 2021-09-02 | 2021-09-02 | Multipurpose drain tool |
US18/407,365 Pending US20240147881A1 (en) | 2021-09-02 | 2024-01-08 | Multipurpose drain tool |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/407,365 Pending US20240147881A1 (en) | 2021-09-02 | 2024-01-08 | Multipurpose drain tool |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US11864479B2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11864479B2 (en) * | 2021-09-02 | 2024-01-09 | Bryan Deane Richardson | Multipurpose drain tool |
Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US474697A (en) * | 1892-05-10 | Spade and pick | ||
US576756A (en) * | 1897-02-09 | Half to osborne w | ||
US1253472A (en) * | 1916-12-20 | 1918-01-15 | Carl J Nelson | Combination spade and crowbar. |
US2701379A (en) * | 1951-11-01 | 1955-02-08 | Mildred D Balistreri | Handle grip |
US3858267A (en) * | 1973-12-21 | 1975-01-07 | Arthur Swannie | Gutter cleaning tool |
US4549611A (en) * | 1984-07-06 | 1985-10-29 | Mills Robert C | Multi-purpose hand tool |
US5348360A (en) * | 1993-08-17 | 1994-09-20 | Mencarelli Albert E | Replaceable cushioned contoured gripping device for the handle of a tool |
US5507051A (en) * | 1994-12-07 | 1996-04-16 | Mazon; Alexander | Prospector tool |
US5799996A (en) * | 1997-02-20 | 1998-09-01 | Fredrickson; David F. | Multi-function hand tool |
US20120098282A1 (en) * | 2009-04-21 | 2012-04-26 | Shrike Industries, Inc. | Multi-purpose tool |
US20210235606A1 (en) * | 2020-01-30 | 2021-08-05 | Ned Hyduke | Combination Shovel/Pick Assembly |
Family Cites Families (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1146609A (en) | 1914-01-15 | 1915-07-13 | Emil A Anderson | Shovel. |
US1369262A (en) | 1920-01-09 | 1921-02-22 | Adolph K Olsen | Convertible tool |
US1795991A (en) | 1930-01-29 | 1931-03-10 | John L Barwick | Culvert shovel |
US3782770A (en) | 1972-08-31 | 1974-01-01 | M Lee | Trenching tool |
US5669649A (en) | 1996-05-13 | 1997-09-23 | Metcalf; Tom | Ditch shovel |
US5988715A (en) * | 1998-10-23 | 1999-11-23 | Mason; Bessie | Apparatus for cleaning drain gutters |
US6145899A (en) | 1999-02-09 | 2000-11-14 | Kelemen; Michael | Shock absorbent shovel |
US6460911B1 (en) | 2001-04-20 | 2002-10-08 | Raymond C. Engelsiepen | Ditch scooping device |
US7347468B1 (en) | 2004-03-16 | 2008-03-25 | Steven Tidcomb | Combined shovel and clearing tool arrangement |
US20110037281A1 (en) | 2009-08-12 | 2011-02-17 | Cox James E | Trench shovel |
US8256809B2 (en) | 2009-08-23 | 2012-09-04 | Coutu Timothy M | Material handling tool |
US20160081255A1 (en) | 2012-05-20 | 2016-03-24 | Antonio E. Cacela | Excavating tool |
US20150264853A1 (en) | 2014-03-24 | 2015-09-24 | Alex Anthony | Hand-Held Powered Shovel |
US20150319908A1 (en) | 2014-05-12 | 2015-11-12 | Doreen D. Kuss | Garden Implement |
US10117371B2 (en) | 2015-07-16 | 2018-11-06 | Donald J. Peterson | Trench scoop device |
US20170280612A1 (en) | 2016-03-31 | 2017-10-05 | John G. Teutsch | Pick Shovel |
US10132048B1 (en) | 2016-05-19 | 2018-11-20 | Eddie Davis | Non-stick, asphalt-resistive tool and associated use thereof |
US20180153083A1 (en) | 2016-12-01 | 2018-06-07 | Wissam Aoun | Water Shovel |
US10660252B2 (en) | 2017-10-23 | 2020-05-26 | Tracey Tools LLC | Soil conserving shovel, grate attachment, garden tool shovel assembly, and method of use |
US20230054432A1 (en) * | 2021-08-17 | 2023-02-23 | Christopher Michon | Multipurpose Wilderness Survival Tool |
US11864479B2 (en) * | 2021-09-02 | 2024-01-09 | Bryan Deane Richardson | Multipurpose drain tool |
-
2021
- 2021-09-02 US US17/446,743 patent/US11864479B2/en active Active
-
2024
- 2024-01-08 US US18/407,365 patent/US20240147881A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US474697A (en) * | 1892-05-10 | Spade and pick | ||
US576756A (en) * | 1897-02-09 | Half to osborne w | ||
US1253472A (en) * | 1916-12-20 | 1918-01-15 | Carl J Nelson | Combination spade and crowbar. |
US2701379A (en) * | 1951-11-01 | 1955-02-08 | Mildred D Balistreri | Handle grip |
US3858267A (en) * | 1973-12-21 | 1975-01-07 | Arthur Swannie | Gutter cleaning tool |
US4549611A (en) * | 1984-07-06 | 1985-10-29 | Mills Robert C | Multi-purpose hand tool |
US5348360A (en) * | 1993-08-17 | 1994-09-20 | Mencarelli Albert E | Replaceable cushioned contoured gripping device for the handle of a tool |
US5507051A (en) * | 1994-12-07 | 1996-04-16 | Mazon; Alexander | Prospector tool |
US5799996A (en) * | 1997-02-20 | 1998-09-01 | Fredrickson; David F. | Multi-function hand tool |
US20120098282A1 (en) * | 2009-04-21 | 2012-04-26 | Shrike Industries, Inc. | Multi-purpose tool |
US20210235606A1 (en) * | 2020-01-30 | 2021-08-05 | Ned Hyduke | Combination Shovel/Pick Assembly |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20240147881A1 (en) | 2024-05-09 |
US11864479B2 (en) | 2024-01-09 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20240147881A1 (en) | Multipurpose drain tool | |
US20080093280A1 (en) | Litter screen | |
US20070145756A1 (en) | Snow shovel with convex edge | |
EP2467536A1 (en) | Material handling tool | |
US7942460B2 (en) | Pet litter scooper | |
US20110198875A1 (en) | Snow shovel for unconventional surfaces | |
US20030051305A1 (en) | Gutter cleaning tool | |
RU2818618C1 (en) | Automotive device for cleaning ice and snow and method of fixing a scraper on a shovel | |
US7553379B2 (en) | Apparatus and method for removing debris from a tool | |
RU2709699C1 (en) | Manual electric storage broom for cleaning snow, ice, water, earth, leaves and garbage | |
RU179985U1 (en) | MANUAL TOOL FOR CLEANING SURFACE FROM SNOW | |
JP2022536675A (en) | Device for collecting garbage in the garden | |
US10070571B1 (en) | Tool attachment for weed and debris removal | |
AU2018100595A4 (en) | Apparatus for collecting animal excrement | |
US6779219B1 (en) | Sliding window cleaning tool | |
CN214441093U (en) | Edge wiper for removing attached foreign matters | |
US5931517A (en) | WCW trench cleaner | |
CN209915893U (en) | Novel mop bucket | |
US20230355062A1 (en) | Vacuum attachment tool | |
JP3007713U (en) | Groove cleaning tool | |
EP2738311B1 (en) | Scraper blade and scraper | |
EP2937464B1 (en) | Snow sledge | |
US20050167127A1 (en) | Gutter scoop | |
JP3204784U (en) | Cleaning tool | |
AU740559B2 (en) | A gardening device |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: MICROENTITY |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO MICRO (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: MICR); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: MICROENTITY |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED -- APPLICATION RECEIVED IN OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: PUBLICATIONS -- ISSUE FEE PAYMENT RECEIVED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: PUBLICATIONS -- ISSUE FEE PAYMENT VERIFIED |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |